Governor Edwards declares a public health emergency as the state now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday. Cases are now being found around the state, and community spread is thought to be occurring.
The nationwide spread prompted a historic decision by the NCAA to bar fans from attending all Men’s and Women’s NCAA tournament games, including the Women’s final four set for April 3rd and fifth in New Orleans.
Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have also announced they are transitioning to online teaching.
Edwards says there’s also a concerning development at a New Orleans nursing home…
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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is criticizing New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrel’s decision to cancel several city events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade set to roll this weekend. Nungesser says until the Governor or feds call for events to be canceled such a declaration is only going to hurt the tourism industry, and tell tourists that Louisiana is not open for business.
To compensate for potentially declining international tourism, the Lt. Governor plans to reallocate advertising to areas within driving distance of the state.
With the cancellation of those New Orleans events there’s growing interest in whether or not other major festivals like French Quarter, or Jazz Fest, would also be axed. State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says those are being looked at, but there’s one event in particular that is concerning…